Two Debutants For All Blacks
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has included two debutants in his starting line-up for Saturday’s first Test against Ireland in Hamilton.
…Graham Henry at Monday’s training session in Hamilton…
New Zealand coach Graham Henry has included two debutants in his starting line-up for Saturday’s first Test against Ireland in Hamilton.
Highlanders prop Clarke Dermody and Durban-born Blues lock Greg Rawlinson will both make their bows for the All Blacks at the weekend.
There are three more newcomers waiting in the wings – replacement winger Scott Hamilton of the Crusaders, Chiefs out-half David Hill, who played for New Zealand ‘A’ against Ireland ‘A’ in 2001, and highly-rated Blues flanker Jerome Kaino, who beat Leinster number eight Jamie Heaslip to the IRB Under-21 World Player of the Year award in 2004, are all benched and uncapped.
Henry’s backline is an experienced one with only the 22-year-old out-half Luke McAlister faring poorly with regards to caps tallies – he has five Tests behind him, his fellow starting backs for Saturday’s encounter, who include wingers Joe Rokocoko and Doug Howlett, boast 197 caps between them.
The Fijian-born Rokocoko turns 23 today (Tuesday) and will be hoping to add to his stunning international try count of 30 touch downs in as many games at the weekend.
The 43-times capped Chris Jack, drafted in for ankle injury victim Ali Williams, starts and his fledgling second row partnership with the 6ft 7in Rawlinson is sure to come under some intensive scrutiny from Irish pair Donncha O’Callaghan and Paul O’Connell.
The 25-year-old Crusaders flanker Richie McCaw will captain New Zealand for only the third time. He led the All Blacks to a comfortable 45-7 win when they visited Lansdowne Road last November.
NEW ZEALAND TEAM AND REPLACEMENTS (v Ireland):
15 – Mils Muliaina
14 – Doug Howlett
13 – Ma’a Nonu
12 – Aaron Mauger
11 – Joe Rokocoko
10 – Luke McAlister
9 – Byron Kelleher
1 – Clarke Dermody
2 – Keven Mealamu
3 – Carl Hayman
4 – Chris Jack
5 – Greg Rawlinson
6 – Marty Holah
7 – Richie McCaw (captain)
8 – Rodney So’oialo
Replacements:
16 – Anton Oliver
17 – Neemia Tialata
18 – Troy Flavell
19 – Jerome Kaino
20 – Jimmy Cowan
21 – David Hill
22 – Scott Hamilton